Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike sends message as Ligue 1 deal agreed
Hugo Ekitike has sent a message to Timothee Pembele after the defender signed a deal with Le Havre until the rest of the season.
Liverpool are facing a nervous wait to discover Ekitike’s availability for Thursday’s trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Arne Slot confirmed that he hoped that the France international would be back for the clash, after he had been ruled out of Sunday’s draw with Fulham.
Liverpool drew 2-2 with Fulham courtesy of Harrison Reed‘s stoppage-time stunner, condemning the Reds to a second consecutive draw.
Arsenal are in superb form, however, and will present a completely different challenge for Slot’s side.
Hugo Ekitike sends message to Timothee Pembele
Pembele signed for Sunderland from PSG in 2024, but has struggled to get the grips with life at the Stadium of Light.
The defender made eight Championship appearances following his arrival, but had been ruled out for the majority of the season with a serious knee injury.
Last season, he was loaned to Le Havre in Ligue 1, and appeared to have found his feet.
| Timothee Pembele | Ligue 1 2024-25 |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Tackles | 30 |
| Interceptions | 11 |
| Duels won | 66 |
Pembele found a spot in the starting XI, and his performances made him a regular feature of Didier Digard’s side.
The Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League saw chances even further limited for the Frenchman back at his parent club, however. He has failed to appear in even one first-team matchday squad this season.
Sunderland have now sanctioned Pembele’s loan back to Le Havre, where he will spend the rest of the season.
The Ligue 1 club confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, to which Ekitike, who spent time with Pembele at PSG, responded with the phrase: “Au Bara!”
While not a direct translation, Ekitike’s message is likely an informal way of encouraging Pembele to get to work at his new club.
Kristjaan Speakman explains decision behind Pembele loan
There has been some frustration over Pembele’s situation at Sunderland. The defender’s failure to make it into Regis Le Bris‘ team in the Championship should have been a clear indicator of the necessity of a loan this season.
Yet despite a positive spell with Le Havre, the Black Cats failed to line up any agreement for the Frenchman’s exit.
Instead, he has been forced to sit idly in the reserves, as his development stalled. Speaking following confirmation of Pembele’s latest move, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman was direct.
“Opportunities have been limited for Timothée this season following our promotion to the Premier League and due to high competition and depth within our defensive ranks,” he said.
“This move provides him with the platform to play regularly in a familiar environment, and naturally, we wish him well for the remainder of the season.”